State police investigating Marion County homicide

FLIPPIN — A 40-yearold woman was found dead last Tuesday night, inside a Flippin residence in Marion County, along with two other individuals who had sustained non-life threatening injuries. Outside the same residence, local police shot and wounded a man who is believed to be a suspect in the homicide.

Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division have been requested by local authorities to conduct investigations of the homicide and officer involved shooting.

Flippin police officers responded to a call for help needed at 401 8th Street, Building 1, Apartment 4. The officers encountered a suspect outside the location.

Richard Wayne Hudson Jr., 42, of Glenpool, Oklahoma was shot by local police. He was transported to an area hospital where he continues to be treated.

Inside the residence local officers found the body of Kathryn Parker. The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory will determine the manner and cause of death. Two other individuals at the residence were treated for injuries they had sustained.

The state police investigation is continuing and information will be provided to the prosecuting attorney to determine what criminal charges may be filed against the suspect upon his release from hospital care.

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn.

— Earlier this month, Governor Bill Lee signed a resolution declaring youth suicide a crisis within the state. The Tennessee Department of Health has recorded 508 suicide deaths for youth ages 10 to 19 since 2009. Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death for this age group within the Volunteer State. As the resolution states, “no single suicide prevention effort is suffi cient or appropriate,” but there are resources for help.

If you or someone you love is struggling with depression and/ or thinking about suicide, get help now.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273TALK (8255), is a free resource that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for anyone who is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

The Crisis Text Line is a free 24/7 text line where trained crisis counselors support individuals in crisis.

Text “Jason” to 741741 to speak with a compassionate, trained Crisis Counselor. Confidential support 24/7, for free from The Jason Foundation, a nationally recognized leader in youth suicide awareness and prevention. The foundation is proud to be leading the charge within the state by providing educators with the information, tools, and resources to help prevent the national and state public health crisis that is youth suicide.

With support from the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Tennessee Department of Education, and their National Community Affi liates, the Jason Foundation provided 68,486 trainings for Tennessee educators who are now better able to recognize and assist a student who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide.

All programs and materials offered by The Jason Foundation are available at no cost. To find out more information, visit www.jasonfoundation. com.

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Delta Tourism Awards Ceremony set for Feb. 21

JONESBORO — Arkansas Delta Byways will present the annual Delta Awards, recognizing tourism achievement in Eastern Arkansas during 2019, during festivities Friday evening, Feb.

21, at the Technology Center for the Delta, 1790 N. Falls Boulevard in Wynne.

The evening will begin with a 5:30 p.m. silent auction, followed by the dinner and awards at 7 p.m. The event is sponsored by Arkansas Delta Byways with support from the City of Wynne and the Wynne Chamber of Commerce.

Arkansas Delta Byways, located on the Arkansas State University campus, is a nonprofit organization recognized by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism as the official tourism promotion association for 15 counties in Eastern Arkansas.

The counties are Arkansas, Chicot, Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Desha, Drew, Greene, Lee, Mississippi, Monroe, Phillips, Poinsett and St.

Francis.

The annual awards event is open to the public. Tickets are $30 per person or a table of eight for $225. For information on ticket availability, contact Gretchen Sacotnik, 870-573-6751.